Page 13 of Truce Of The Matter

“Oxtail stew and mashed potatoes.”

“Mm. That sounds so good. Really good,” I admit then sigh, realizing I hadn’t eaten shit today. With everything going on, the last thing on my mind was food. All I had was that latte this morning and I didn’t eat yesterday either. “Hearing that made my stomach growl.”

“You hungry? We can go grab something if you want.”

“Starving actually but it’s late,” I note. The numbers on my cell screen revealed it’s after eleven. “The only thing open is Taco Express and that late night line is always ridiculous.”

“I’ll wait in the line for you,” he offers.

“Or…” I hesitate then quickly down the rest of my double Sidecar. It provides the spirited courage needed for my next words. “Or I can order delivery and by the timeweget to my place it should be arriving. I didn’t drive and I’m hoping you did.”

“Taking you home wasn’t up for debate,” he asserts without no damn hesitation while nodding at my empty glass. “Order your food.”

He takes another draw on his cigar then snuffs it out. I do the same with mine then do as he says, start placing my order. “What do you want?” I ask.

“Nothing. I’m straight.”

“Watching your figure?” I tease.

“Nah. The only figure I enjoy watching is yours, Truce,” he says salaciously andgotdamn!

“Well, I’m ready then,” I reply after submitting my order for three birria tacos and a small elotes. “Let me go to the restroom first.” He stands at my words then steadies the back of the stool while I ease off. The minute my soles hit the floor, I realize how tipsy I am. My legs feel like jelly. “Damn! I think I sat down too long.”

His hand grips the side of my waist. “Can you walk?”

“Yeeeessss. I’m not that drunk. I’m good.” My hand lands on top of his, then I gently push it off me. When I turn back to face him, he’s so close I can’t resist myself. I lean up, peck his cheek, then smile. “I can walk. Settle the check and I’ll be ready.”

I turn to walk off and make sure to not turn around. I add a little sway to my ass and hips for his benefit. My legs are truly gelatinous and I find myself holding on to a few chairs and tables as I make my way to the restroom. As soon as I’m inside, I rush to the stall and perform a miracle as I balance and squat to pee on these unsteady ass legs. God is so good because all of the pee makes it into the toilet and not on my damn wobbly legs.

After finishing up and washing my hands, I study my face in the mirror. My body wave hair is still bodying and my face looks pretty good. My lip liner is still intact and thanks to my classic lash extensions, my eyes look good too despite the fact that I’ve been crying the past two days.

Before walking out of the restroom, I text Monae:

Me: You still up?

Monae: Yes, retwisting Just.

Me: Let the man go to April.

Monae: I don’t know her. Until Nyla comes back from maternity leave, I’m doing his hair. Are you okay though?

Me: Yes. I’m leaving Flavor with Rex.

Monae:

Me: That’s it. No lecture?

Monae: Nope. This/him I approve of. It’s better than you drunk texting Loc’s hoe-ass.

Me: LOL. I’m down but not that damn down, fuck Loc.

Monae: Fuck him till it’s backwards LOL and have too much fun with Rex frfr. Ily.

Me: I will. Ily2

I meant what I texted too. I’m truly in my feelings about my mom and dad but not so much in them to contact my ex, Loc. For lack of a better term, he’s a hoe. Faithful and monogamy are two words he’s severely allergic to. At his core, he’s a good dude but he let his celebrity barber title go to his head. We were together when he still owned his shop but once he sold it to his best barber, Nyla, things started changing. He started traveling more and his cheating became evident. When the first chick had the nerve to come into my family’s business and start shit, it was a wrap for us. I’m not about to argue over a cheating ass negro with any chick. She can have him.

When I walk out of the restroom, Rex is in the hall, leaned back on the wall. His legs are inched apart and his hands are clasped together in front of him. This simple pose is sexy as fuck and confirms my decision to allow him to take me home.

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